Effects of a 6-Week Straw Phonation in Water Exercise Program on the Aging Voice

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1032
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsin Wu ◽  
Roger W. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perceptual Evaluation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Aging Voice ◽  
Before And After

Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.

Feasibility of an Exercise Program for Older Depressive Inpatients

GeroPsych ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Heissel ◽  
Anou Vesterling ◽  
Stephanie A. White ◽  
Gunnar Kallies ◽  
Diana Behr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Neurocognitive Functioning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Older Inpatients ◽  
Relaxation Exercises

Abstract. Twelve older inpatients (M age = 66.8) with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) participated in this controlled pilot trial either in a physical exercise group (PEG; n = 6; aerobic, strength, and coordination exercises) or an active control group (ACG; n = 6; relaxation exercises) twice a week for four weeks. While depressive symptoms decreased in both groups, reduction of symptoms was significantly larger in the PEG. However, the PEG had higher BDI scores compared to the ACG at pretest. Neurocognitive functioning and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration did not change significantly. A four-week exercise program may be a feasible adjunct therapy in older MDD patients but the efficacy of the program needs to be proven with larger samples.

Treatment of vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 7-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pfeifer ◽  
M. Sinaki
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Program ◽  
Therapeutic Exercise ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Axial Stability ◽  
Extensor Muscles ◽  
Therapeutic Exercises ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Risk Of Fall

SummaryThe objective of exercise in the treatment of osteoporosis is to improve axial stability through strengthening of back extensor muscles. Therefore, a back extension exercise program specific to one’s musculoskeletal competence and pain can be performed in a sitting position and later advanced to the prone position. When fragility is resolved, back extension is performed against resistance applied to the upper back. A significant reduction in back pain, kyphosis, and risk of falls and an improvement in the level of physical activity have been achieved through the SPEED (Spinal Proprioceptive Extension Exercise Dynamic) program. In addition, the application of a “Posture Training Support” (PTS) using a backpack may decrease kyphosis and pain related not only to compression fractures but also reduce iliocostal friction. Therapeutic exercise should address osteo - porosis-related deformities of axial posture, which can increase risk of fall and fracture. Thus, the role of a therapeutic exercise program is to increase muscle strength safely, decrease immobility-related complications, and prevent fall and fracture. As with pharmacotherapy, therapeutic exercises are individualized.

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